May 05, 2014

We all consider ourselves good at communication. Most of us are excellent talkers. But how many of us are good at listening, too?

I don't mean simply being able to pick up on two out of five words somebody says, but actually listening to them, getting not only what someone says but also how they feel about it, truly hearing them, connecting.

If we think for a moment, it's easy to pinpoint people who aren't good listeners. When someone doesn't listen to you, you can't help but feel that they just don't care.

With the constant bombardment of information and pressures facing us every day, listening may seem like an inaccessible item, something that sounds good in theory but in reality is quite impossible.

It's not. The very first step is actually easy to practice. To make someone else feel heard, we simply place our attention on them and on what they're saying.

In other words, we turn off, even if just for a moment, the stream of chatter in our heads. The barrage of noise will still be there when we get back.

Then simply demonstrate that you're following the other person by watching your own nonverbal communication (nodding, saying "uh-huh" and the like) and every so often restating something they said or asking a clarifying question, for example, "What did you mean when you said ___?"

These short questions or statements show you're paying attention, and that's what we need from each other: to feel somebody cares enough to pay attention. The message? Our thoughts count; they are valued.

September 03, 2013

According to Wikipedia, the adoption of the trade name "Peace" was publicly announced in the U.S. on 29 April 1945 by the introducers, Messrs Conard Pyle Co. This was the very day that Berlin fell, officially considered the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Later that year Peace roses were given to each of the delegations at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in San Francisco, each with a note which read:

"We hope the 'Peace' rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.

July 24, 2013

Great business ideas are everywhere and can create the kind of change that really delivers results.

I recently attended the The Colorado Symphony Orchestra performing various works by John Williams (Harry Potter, Juraissic Park, Star Wars) along with the music from other famous movies (Rocky, Chariots of Fire, Casablanca, Downton Abbey).

You know this isn't your stereotypical Symphony when, after all musicians have warmed their instruments and the lights have dimmed, the conductor jogs across the stage dressed like Rocky. Does a little foot maneuver, runs up and down the symphony hall stairs (complete with boxing moves at the top), and back on stage to begin the evening's performance.

And after Intermission, prior to the beginning of the Star Wars compositions the same conductor waddles across the stage dressed as Yoda. Complete with light saber conductor's stick and proceeds to provide a Top 10 List Letterman style about Star Wars geeks (spot-on I might add).

This sort of thing isn't just 'entertainment'. More like smart marketing with its part personality, part showmanship, and part strategic genius in shifting the paradigm of how one perceives, in this case, "the Symphony". Far from boring or stodgy, the Conductor and his orchestra delivered energy, enthusiasm, and wit along with the impressive array of music. And everyone took notice - laughing, smiling, and thoroughly getting a kick out of the whole thing.

I'll wager than most of us will be back for more, more often, and when we do the Conductor will have delivered on the best result of all - regularly packed houses.

Free ticket! The Colorado Symphony is having a 5K Run/Walk at Sloan's Lake on September 21st. They want to be known as the "most fit" symphony in the U.S. A great cause and guaranteed to be a hoot, and BONUS! each race registration comes with a FREE ticket to any of the Colorado Symphony's 2013/14 season concerts at Boettcher Concert Hall, excluding Spotlight Performances.

May 22, 2013

How cool is this? A library that exists as a collection of transparent boxes suspended from
trees in various locations such as public parks and different spaces
where people tend to read.

The project (as mentioned in a recent PSFK article) promotes reading but the boxes also double as a shelter for books from the elements. Visitors can take a book and replace it with one of their own
making it a nice way to encourage people to pick up a
book, take timeout from the digital world and simply read.

May 07, 2013

Most of us look back fondly on at least one teacher who had a particularly
positive impact on our lives. Teachers literally shape the future in their efforts to educate the leaders of tomorrow. Men and women in the
teaching profession deserve our support and thanks.

Repay a teacher this week by lending a hand, providing supplies or much needed funding for "extras", or sending a small gift or note of thanks. At DonorsChoose.org, you can scout school projects across the United States and give to those that inspire you the most. Donations are tax deductible.

If you
teach, then please accept this heart-felt "thank you" for all of the
hard and important work that you do.